Winter Music Conference’s 26th annual program will take place March 8 – 12, 2011 at the Miami Beach Convention Center and other venues throughout Miami Beach and the greater Miami area. Last year WMC attracted 3,763 registered music industry participants from 70 countries and over 100,000 event participants who took part in five non-stop concentrated days of seminars, workshops, exhibits and performances.

Over its 26-year history WMC has become known by industry insiders, audiophiles and fans alike as the pre-eminent date for merchandisers and manufacturers launching new music, technology and trends in the music business. According to Billboard Magazine’s April 3, 2010 issue, “WMC demonstrates (that) dance music retains a powerful allure among brands looking to connect with young, engaged consumers.”

During WMC, more than 500 annual industry gatherings and performance events boast one of the most sought after aggregations of legendary and emerging artists to be found in the world. WMC’s drawing power for assembling innovative music professionals and launching effective global campaigns is demonstrated year after year with career-launching performances and new releases by artists that have historically included Lady Gaga (WMC 2008), Rihanna (WMC 2006), the Black Eyed Peas (WMC 2009) and featured appearances in 2010 by artists like Deadmau5 and Grammy winner David Guetta, amongst hundreds of others. Of his appearance during WMC 2010, The Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am told MTV News “I think it’s important to come out to WMC to test out the new beats you’ve been making — rockin’ the crowds, learning from the crowds”.

For 2011 WMC will continue to roll out new initiatives as part of its development plan bolstering the ‘WMC Experience’. Unlike previous events the conference has hosted at hotels such as the Fontainebleau and most recently the Eden Roc, this year will offer nearly unlimited opportunities for expansion and growth with its move to the Miami Beach Convention Center in the midst of South Beach. Organizers say “for many years WMC has been challenged to configure its rapidly developing program into limited meeting space.” This year we are able to offer the best of all worlds – enormous room for expansion of the industry program at one of the best locations in South Beach with easy access to the top venues, restaurants and beaches. We are also able to offer our delegates a diverse range of official WMC hotels from the historically luxurious Raleigh and Albion hotels to the plush new Grand Beach Hotel to the business-budget-minded South Beach Courtyard. Virtually every class of service, location and amenity at a price point to fit any budget are offered. WMC is widely known as one of the highest hotel occupancy generating events of the year in the South Florida area – so book your hotel stay early.

Currently the WMC industry badge is being offered at a promotional Early Registration rate of $275 (over 40% off the walk up rate) until November 30th, which includes access to all official WMC events across the conference dates. Marketing opportunities are currently discounted by 30% through December 10, 2010.